MIDDLESBROUGH have made an improved contract offer to Matthew Bates.

Having already resigned themselves to losing goalkeeper Ross Turnbull when his contract expires at the end of this month, Boro are keen to avoid Bates also leaving.

West Ham United and Wolves are ready to offer the defender-cum-midfielder an opportunity to stay in the Premier League, and both are prepared to substantially trump the initial offer made to Bates by Middlesbrough.

But Boro have now returned with an improved contract offer for the Stockton-born player and chief executive Keith Lamb said: “We are still very hopeful about being able to reach an agreement with him on a new contract.

“I firmly believe that Matthew has a great love for Middlesbrough.

“He is torn between his loyalty and love for the club and the inevitable desire to play at the highest level, particularly when you have missed so much through injury.

“I don’t think with Matthew it’s about money. I think it’s about the dilemma of wanting to play for his hometown club and wanting to fast track his career again because injury has seen him miss the best part of three seasons.”

Since making his Premier League debut in December 2004 under Steve McClaren, Bates has struggled to fulfil his enormous potential because of a series of injury problems.

But after recovering from his third career-threatening cruciate knee ligament injury, the 22-year-old has performed admirably in Southgate’s team – even though he was asked to adapt to a holding central midfield role.

He is perceived, though, as a centre-back and it is that position which West Ham and Wigan would be looking to play him, although his versatility is clearly an attractive bargaining tool.

“Matthew at 19 was a fantastic prospect,” said Lamb.

“Then he had those injuries. I can understand his thinking. He has had a taste of Premier League football and now he will want to stay there.

“Matthew is a strong character and he is well aware of the dilemma and I understand it. If he stays we will be delighted and if he goes we understand it.

“Talks are continuing and we remain optimistic that he will stay. He is a fighter and he wants to help this club.”

With departures imminent following Middlesbrough’s drop into the Championship, Southgate remains hopeful he will be able to make quick progress on the recruitment front.

Lamb admitted he hopes to have some news on the transfer front by the end of the month or in early July.

And it has emerged Michael Tonge is one of the men under Southgate’s consideration.

The former Sheffield United midfielder has been long admired by the Middlesbrough manager and news that Stoker are making the 26-year-old available has been noted.

Tonge was a deadline day signing last August but struggled to make an impact at the Britannia Stadium, where he made just one start after his £2.5m switch.

With Southgate on the look out for players with Championship experience, the former England Under-21 international falls into that category.